The Key to Seamless Set and Stitch Collaboration? On-Time Modular Transportation

Since one of the many benefits of modular construction is speed to occupancy, on-time delivery of modular freight is the linchpin to successful set and stitch.

Set and stitch services are the key connecting points between modular manufacturing and a completed build. This team of experts — which physically constructs and secures the pieces of the modular structure into place — works fast and efficiently to ensure the cycle time is as short as possible. But without on-time modular transportation, their work (and your modular structure) face huge challenges that could put you behind and cost you money. 

This is because while stacking modules seems like a giant lego set, it’s much more complex. Part of that complexity stems from the fact that modular requires a precise sequence of construction. Ultimately, that means having each piece of the puzzle ready to go at the exact time you need it. Since one of the many benefits of modular construction is faster time to occupancy, on-time delivery of modular freight is the linchpin to successful set and stitch.

Here, we explore how the right team of logistics experts can help make your entire project go off without a hitch.

Avoid set and stitch delays

An easy way to think about the modular construction process is like baton-passing in a relay race. First, it starts off in the factory where the modules are manufactured. Then, it’s handed off to the modular transportation team who has to carefully pick up and deliver your modules to the set and stitch crew. This team will skillfully hoist the units off the truck by crane, ‘set’ them into place, and ‘stitch’ (or secure) them together.

One of the major benefits of modular construction is that the process is fast. The factory can manufacture top-quality modular structures quickly, and they set almost everything up for the set and stitch team to get their job done efficiently, too. But if a truck is late, the mod can’t be passed along to the set and stitch team on time. 

Just like a relay race, the handoff has to be quick and seamless. Without that, the set and stitch team stands around waiting for the mods which cuts into their own efficiency, momentum, safety and even team morale. If each leg of the race can’t work well together, it not only brings everyone down, but pulls others behind.

Avoid extra set and stitch costs

Importantly, transportation delays can also cost you steeply. Your set and stitch crew has a lot of daily costs that can rack up quickly if they’re stuck being idle — from per-day labor costs to equipment costs (which can be hourly) and travel costs. Even just a single hour delay from your transportation team can cost you thousands of dollars.

What’s more, transportation delays tend to set off a kind of domino effect. Even if just one truck is delayed, it can set off the entire scheduling and delivery of the next trucks. Quickly, a one-truck delay can turn into a full-day delay, which can potentially turn into a week-long delay that costs you seriously. 

Once you get into multi-day delays, you need to consider the costs of things like interest payments to the developer, or having to find a last-minute set and stitch crew to finish the job if yours needs to go onto another. Without on-time transportation, your extra and unexpected costs can start to add up quickly. 

Staging yard management keeps set and stitch team on track

With modular construction, there are usually two parts to the final transport handoff. First, the modular structure will be brought from the factory to a staging yard, which is where it will sit and wait until your set and stitch team is ready for it to be brought to the site and installed. Your transportation team will be in charge of not only getting your mod to the staging yard, but unloading it there safely and carefully. Then, the second part of the handoff is re-loading the mod and transporting it to the job site for the set and stitch team to complete the job. 

The logistics planning for the staging yard management is an important role, and it’s imperative to the entire “relay race.” You need a transport and logistics team that understands all the risks involved, and can work in a timely manner to ensure all the materials arrive on time and are ready to be used. 

With careful planning, a project team can ensure that modules are delivered promptly and efficiently from the factory to their designated site with minimal disruption or delays. A staging area close to the site can also help when there is limited storage space available, making it easier for teams working on congested city projects. By partnering with an experienced logistics provider like Stream Logistics, you’ll have access to the resources and expertise needed to optimize these handoffs while coordinating amongst everyone involved in your project’s success.

Ask Stream Logistics about its on-time modular transportation

Knowledgeable experts in the modular transportation space, our project management crew knows how to transport your mods safely, securely, and on time. Plus, we know how to work as a team with everyone in the chain, including your all-important set and stitch team. Get in touch today to talk about what we can do for you! 

Stream Modular is a transportation logistics company specializing exclusively in modular construction. We help modular manufacturers and builders transport mods, pods and panels so they arrive on time and safely to the build site.

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